Press Releases

Musical comedy, pop, dance, jazz, outdoor movies and a performing arts camp are all coming to Algonquin Arts this summer. Family entertainment and workshops for all levels of aspiring artists will be offered from June through August at the theatre in Manasquan located at 173 Main Street.

The Pirates of Penzance, with its comic characters including the Pirate King, the Major General and his three daughters, the Police Sergeant and a chorus of lovable pirates, and with music and lyrics by the masterful Gilbert and Sullivan runs Saturday, July 26, 2 & 8 pm and Sunday, July 27, 3 pm. Direct from NYC�s City Center, The New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players bring superb voices and stunning costumes for a rollicking Pirates. Now in its fourth decade of operation, NYGASP is acclaimed as America�s preeminent professional Gilbert & Sullivan repertory ensemble. Under the dynamic leadership of Artistic Director Albert Bergeret, who has been hailed as �the leading custodian of the G&S classics� by New York magazine, NYGASP is known for its contemporary energy, superb artistry and stunning production values. Since its founding in 1974, the company has presented over 2,000 performances of the G&S masterpieces throughout the eastern United States and Canada. Tickets for this captivating production for audiences of all ages are $20-$40.

The audience can travel back to the time of culottes, Weejuns and circle pins with An Evening with Leslie Gore on Saturday, August 9 at 8 pm. Lesley Gore burst onto the music scene in 1963 when her first single, "It's My Party," produced by Quincy Jones, skyrocketed to a number one hit. With more than two dozen chart hits to her credit, this singing sensation of the '60s now brings her memorable pop and new hits to fans of all ages. �You Don�t Own Me,� �Judy�s Turn to Cry,� and many more hits make this a �party� not to be missed. Tickets are $40-$42.

The tapping sounds of syncopated rhythms will fill the stage when The Shelley Oliver Tap Dancers with the David Leonhardt Jazz Group perform on Saturday, August 16 at 8 pm. Led by Shelley Oliver who has tapped with such greats as Savion Glover and Gregory Hines, this dance troupe has been acclaimed for their show stopping, dynamic improvisations, synchronized ensemble dancing and stunning solo work. Pianist and composer David Leonhardt and his all star trio will also introduce songs from their newly released CD Explorations, a collection of jazzed up arrangements set to songs by James Taylor, Eric Clapton, Jerome Kern and more. Tickets are $20-$29.

Free Outdoor Summer Movies return to Algonquin Arts, and this year humans take a back seat in celebrated films featuring some favorite characters from the animal kingdom. Bring your favorite beach chair and enjoy sitting under the stars with the whole family. Films are shown at 8:30 pm every Monday night from July 7 through August 25. No rain dates. The movies are: Free Willy (1993) � July 7; Fly Away from Home (1996) � July 14; Shrek 2 (2004) � July 21; Born Free (1965) � July 28; March of the Penguins (2005) � August 4; Andre (1994) � August 11; Babe (1995) � August 16; and the original Lassie Come Home (1943) � August 25.

Whether at the beginning or advanced level, aspiring artists can let their talents shine by enrolling in Summer Stage, the performing arts camp for ages 6 through adults. Four sessions offer a variety of disciplines: acting and improvisation, singing and dancing to Broadway Classics, acting on camera and the art of working behind the scenes. Summer Stage also announces NEW this year � Bob Halligan Jr.�s School of Rock for ages 11-15+ and Songwriting for high school age and adults. In his School of Rock, Mr. Halligan, a gold record singer/songwriter, will teach musical technique, singing, and the fine points of performance, and students will have the experience of playing in their own band. Songwriting explores prosody, melodic construction and �writing what you know,� for intermediate and advanced students. Tuition for Summer Stage ranges from $150 to $325. The first session begins June 23. All sessions culminate with a student performance. To register, call Leslie P. Sims (732) 528-9224 or download the form under Summer Stage at www.algonquinarts.org.

Summer would not be summer without ShoreDance, returning for the fourth season. This year�s theme is Tap and Jazz, a week-long intensive taught by the Shelley Oliver Tap Dancers and jazz pianist David Leonhardt. Classes explore jazz and tap technique, improvisation, syncopation, repertory, classic and contemporary routines, and jazz as it relates to dance. The intensive, for ages 6 through adult, will be taught by the Shelley Oliver Tap Dancers and jazz pianist David Leonhardt. The session runs August 11 �15 with a final student work-in-progress performance on August 15. Tuition is $295 for the week and $95 daily. To register, call William Whitefield at (732) 528-9266, email [email protected] or download the form under ShoreDance at www.algonquinarts.org.

Summer sizzles all summer long at Algonquin Arts for audiences and students alike. For more information call the box office at (732) 528-9211, email [email protected] or visit online at www.algonquinarts.org. Box office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 am � 4 pm and Saturday, 10 am � 4pm. Algonquin Arts is located in downtown Manasquan at 173 Main Street.

Algonquin Arts was founded in 1992 as a nonprofit corporation to provide cultural enrichment and educational enhancement of the highest quality for the residents of New Jersey�s central region. Programming of Algonquin Arts is made possible as a result of the continued philanthropic support of private citizens and organizations such as New Jersey State Council on the Arts, OceanFirst Foundation, New Jersey Cultural Trust, First Energy Foundation, The Provident Bank Foundation, Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, PNC Foundation, George A. Ohl, Jr. Trust, Manasquan Savings Bank, Gannett Foundation, Holm Charitable Trust, Target Stores, Woman�s Club of Brielle, New Jersey Natural Gas, Bank of America, Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation, Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour, as well as many generous individuals and local businesses.